When it comes to universal remote controls, Logitech tends to be the first name on everyone’s lips, especially when you’re looking for something that does a little bit more than turn the volume up and down. Logitech recently launched a new remote to add to its already growing Harmony lineup. But this particular model isn’t so cheap, and with a name like ‘Logitech Harmony Elite’, that comes as no real surprise. Sounds expensive, doesn’t it?
This is one remote that you won’t want to let your toddler use considering that you would have to fork out a good $350 to own one. The remote provides access to more hardware buttons than other Logitech universal remotes as well as that neat color touch screen up top, along with other treats such as motion sensing and vibration feedback. This remote has it all for any connected home.
If you’re a fan of hardware buttons then you will appreciate the new temperature-specific buttons as well as those that are there to take control of all of your lighting requirements. If you’re living in a truly connected home, then the Harmony Elite is built just for you.
If you prefer software buttons, you would love to know that the remote can be programmed as well for your favorite activities. That touch screen is where you will find macros of sorts, allowing one button press, labelled ‘Watch TV’ for example, to do something magical. That one press of a finger can turn the TV on, fire up the cable box and even switch your audio receiver to the right channel. You could even have the curtains close and the lights go out.
With the Logitech Harmony Elite remote, you can program and enjoy Activities, such as “Watch a Movie,” and all of the right devices – from your AV system to your smart lights and window shades – will instantly switch to your programmed settings.
The list of features that Logitech is making some noise about, includes:
Seamless control of up to 15 home entertainment and connected home devices.
Powering up your system and switching between activities with one button press.
Controlling devices inside closed cabinets, through walls, and even when you’re away from home.
Controlling devices according to schedules or sensors.
We expect there to be many more fun things going on with the Logitech Harmony Elite, which may not be cheap, but is likely to be the best in the business. The remote is available for pre-ordering right now, and is expected to ship out in the U.S. and Canada sometime this month.
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the Web.